THE Borders is expected to get a major mobile signal boost as part of a £1 billion plan, according to the area's MPs.

The Shared Rural Network agreement between the UK Government and the country’s biggest mobile network operators will see firms share their equipment to boost coverage.

According to the roadmap published for the agreement, 74 per cent of Scotland will get 4G coverage from all mobile network operators involved by the end of the programme in 2025.

That’s up on the current figure of 44 per cent, according to the dedicated site for the Shared Rural Network.

Conservative MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale says the region has seen “many false dawns when it comes to boosting mobile coverage locally”, but is hoping the deal is a “breakthrough”.

“There’s no doubt that a lack of adequate mobile coverage is a huge issue for many people across rural Tweeddale and that’s why I have campaigned strongly over many years for the improvements needed,” said Mr Mundell.

“Under the existing arrangements, just 55 per cent of the South of Scotland gets mobile coverage from all of the country’s mobile network operators, with 88 per cent getting coverage from only a single provider. It is expected that under the new Shared Rural Network, those coverage figures could rise to see 81 per cent of our area being covered by all the main providers, and 97 per cent of Tweeddale getting a signal from at least one operator.”

He added: “Given the long-running nature of this issue, I know many local people will rightly only believe it when they see it, and I share that cautious view.

“Having said that, the fact that such an ambitious programme is being put in place, backed up by very significant investment, can only be good news and will hopefully begin to close the ‘digital divide’ which has disadvantaged so many people locally for far too long.”

The operators involved in the UK-wide programme are EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.

The Shared Rural Network formally started on March 9, 2020, with the signing of the grant agreement between the UK Government and operators. Taxpayers will pay half the £1 billion cost, with the four operators covering the rest.

The Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, John Lamont, said: “As we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, the UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rural areas like the Borders through huge uplifts to 4G mobile coverage.

“This £1 billion announcement will improve the lives of hundreds of people across the region who have been blighted by poor connectivity for too long.

“I am encouraged that Scotland will see the majority of coverage and infrastructure improvements that will be vital to giving our communities the connections they need to work, access services and keep in touch – both at home and on the go."